Muslim NGO Seeks PAS’ Help To Stop Pig-Rearing Project In Malacca

About 300 members of a non-governmental organisation, Majlis Permuafakatan Ummah (Pewaris), gathered in front of the Bandar Baru Bangi Stadium, near here Monday night to hand over a memorandum seeking PAS’ assistance in efforts to stop the pig-farming project in Masjid Tanah, Malacca.

A minor commotion broke out when the Pewaris members were initially prevented from entering a talk on abolishing the Internal Security Act organised by PAS.

However, after negotiating for more than 10 minutes, the organisers allowed five Pewaris members to enter the stadium to hand over the memorandum.

Pewaris deputy chairman Rahimuddin Md Harun later handed over the memorandum to PAS vice-president Mohamad Sabu and PAS Youth head Salahuddin Ayub.

Pewaris and the Gabungan Gerakan Melayu Muda (GGMM), representing the residents of six villages in Malacca, want the PAS leaders to assist them in resolving the problems regarding pig-farming.

About 30 police personnel from the Kajang District Police Headquarters maintained security at the stadium. (The Star Online)

***** By submitting this memorandum to PAS, Pewaris and the Gabungan Gerakan Melayu Muda have essentially put the Islamic party on a sticky wicket. If PAS comes out in strong support of this demand, it will immediately alienate the very crucial Chinese vote and put a damper on PAS' national aspirations. If it simply ignores the memo then its sincerity (and credibility) takes a hit. A damned if they do, damned if they don't situation.

Hudud Laws Only For Muslims, Says Pas President

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said today non-Muslims should not feel apprehensive about the implementation of "hudud" laws in the country because the Islamic penal code was meant only for Muslims.

He said non-Muslims could opt for the law they wanted, for example as provided for in the Syariah Criminal Code of Kelantan and Terengganu.

"It is unnecessary for PAS to give an explanation (on the hudud laws) because the laws have nothing to do with non-Muslims," he told a news conference after launching the "Jom Sertai PAS" (Let's Join PAS) campaign at Dataran Shah Alam here.

Abdul Hadi was asked whether PAS would provide an explanation on the hudud laws to the leaders of DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) -- the other component parties -- in the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) as they were uncomfortable with PAS's idea of wanting to implement the hudud laws if the PR came to power in the country. (Bernama)

***** Now that the top man in PAS has given his assurance, how many of you non-Muslims are relieved by his words? Can we now proceed with its implementation?

PAS Abandons Gambling, Alcohol Ban Plans

Malaysia's conservative Islamic party PAS has shelved a proposal to ban gambling and restrict alcohol sales in the four states it rules with its political allies.

The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) is part of a three-member opposition alliance which made huge strides in March elections, wresting five states and a third of parliamentary seats from the ruling coalition.

Hardliners in the party have chafed at the moderate stance promoted by its alliance partners, including the multi-racial Keadilan and the Chinese-based Democratic Action Party.

But PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said at the party's annual meeting that it would not pursue the campaign against gambling and alcohol demanded by influential party scholars, which would have affected much of Kuala Lumpur.

"Liquor is allowed by their religion ... so we allow them," Abdul Hadi was quoted as saying at the weekend talks by PAS online news portal "Siasah".

"We have to understand the (political) reality that we are part of an alliance and we do not have absolute power. So under such a government we focus on universal Islamic values like fighting corruption," he said.

Malaysia's population is dominated by Muslim Malays, living alongside large ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities who are concerned over rising "Islamisation" of the country.

In the northeastern state of Kelantan, which PAS rules in its own right, it has banned gambling, restricted the sale of alcohol and requires men and women to queue in separate lines at shops.

Kelantan authorities periodically hit the headlines with attempts to ban women from wearing heavy make-up, skimpy clothes and high heels.

Mohamad Daud Iraqi, head of the PAS Islamic scholars group, has said the four other opposition-held states -- Penang, Perak, Kedah and Selangor which surrounds the capital -- should emulate Kelantan's Islamic laws.

"For starters, states under the opposition alliance can reduce the number of gambling premises as gambling is strictly prohibited by all religions," he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times last week.

"Permits or licences to sell alcohol should either be limited or only allowed for areas inhabited by non-Muslims," he said.

PAS is trying to revamp its hardline image and capture support among ethnic Chinese and Indian communities after it was trounced in 2004 elections.

Its defeat then was seen as a vote against the party's fundamentalist approach, but its new progressive stance paid dividends in the March elections when it enjoyed support even from urban Chinese and Indian voters. (AFP)

***** Nice to read but what guarantee is there that the very same PAS leaders will not call for the establishment of an Islamic state next week? Once bitten twice shy.

PAS Inviting Non-Muslims To Its Muktamar. After Bar Council Forum Fiasco Will There Be Any Takers?

From The Star Online

PAS is inviting a large number of non-Muslim observers to its annual muktamar (gathering) which takes place this Friday to Sunday.

Party secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar said five bus-loads of non-Muslims have been invited to observe the muktamar, which marks a first for PAS.

Most of the observers are registered members of the PAS Supporters Club, which is headed by ex-journalist Hu Phang Chiau.

Kamaruddin said the move was to impress upon non-Muslims that PAS appreciated their support and to counter the image of the party as an extremist Muslim movement.

According to the party constitution, PAS can only admit Muslims as full members.

The party has also extended invitations to PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, but Kamaruddin admitted they may not be able to attended because the dates clashed with the campaigning period of the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election.

***** The manner in which the various Malay-Muslim groups ganged up on the Bar Council's 'Conversion to Islam' forum must have to some extent shaken the sensibilities of most non-Muslims, with the exception of course of Saudara Hu Phang Chiau and his 'PAS Supporters Club.'

The incident has reaffirmed longstanding doubts about the sincerity of both Umno and PAS when it comes to the constitutional rights of non-Muslims. When push comes to shove PAS and Umno have clearly demonstrated that despite their differences, they are in reality, two sides of the same coin.

Given this sorry situation, which non-Muslim in his right mind would want to attend the muktamar of those who are blind to the religious travails, feelings and apprehensions of others?

Dissolve Umno & PAS, Form New Islam-Based Political Party, Says Nik Aziz. Will Umno Agree?

PAS Spiritual Leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat Saturday proposed the dissolution of both PAS and Umno and the setting up of a new Islam-based political party to unite the Malays and enable Islam to be the protective umbrella for all the people, including non-Muslims.

He said Islam fulfilled the objectives of all endeavours, including political struggle, and should form the basis of political parties seeking to uphold the true political struggle.

"Umno should dissolve, PAS should also dissolve. Set up another party on condition that it is based on Islam," he told reporters after opening the 37th "Muktamar" (meeting) of Kelantan PAS "Dewan Ulama" (Assembly of Muslim Scholars), here.

Nik Abdul Aziz, who is the Kelantan menteri besar, said there was no reason for Umno to reject the Islamic policies proposed by PAS because Islam stood for all the communities, including the non-Malays, in the country.

"Islam is for all the communities, not just the Malays ... the Chinese, Indians and Orang Putih (westerners) ... they have to be united under the umbrella of Islam," he said.

Islam would thus be able to regain strength in the country while forging closer links among the communities, including non-Muslims, he said. (Bernama)

***** This is the best suggestion to come from Tok Guru in a long time. In one statement he has put Umno's sincerity and seriousness to the test. He has firmly placed the ball in Umno's court and let's wait for the response. It'll be interesting to read all the excuses the Umno crowd will give over the next few days to distance themselves from this proposal.
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Indonesian Singer Inul Daratista's Concert Today Cancelled By DBKL For National Security Reasons!

Indonesian singer Inul Daratista's concert at Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil, on Saturday has been cancelled after Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) cancelled the permit.

Inul who is famous for her gelek gerudi (killer gyration) hip movements performed in the country last year as well as in 2005.

According to news reports, Nasir Abu Bakar of IMS Prima Sdn Bhd (the concert organiser) said that he was disappointed with the decision because the Central Committee for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artiste had given the green light for the event. "We received the directive from DBKL to cancel the concert due to national security. If that is the reason, there is nothing else I can say," he told the media.

Inul's concert in Johor Baru was also cancelled at the very last minute after it could not get approval from various government departments in the state.

Nasir said his company had incurred RM800,000 in losses following the cancellation of the concerts in Johor and Kuala Lumpur.

He said those who had purchased tickets to the concert could ask for refunds from the company's office at 63A, Jalan Raja Alang, Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, or call 03-2693 6818.

Two years ago, Inul's concert at Stadium Merdeka and Genting Highlands received overwhelming support without any untoward incidents.

On Friday, National PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub backed his Federal Territory Youth chief Kamaruzaman Mohamad’s protest against Inul's concert. A group led by Kamaruzaman handed a memorandum to Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Abdul Hakim Borhan on Wednesday calling for Inul’s concert to be cancelled.

The memorandum cited many reasons including that the concert was “erotic”. (The Star Online)

***** What imminent 'national security threat' could have influenced DBKL in cancelling the performance, is mystifying to say the least.

Can a couple of dozen PAS mullahs venting their rage at the singer's 'erotic' gyrations be considered a national security issue? Or perhaps the current 'brotherly' discussions of political cooperation between PAS and beleaguered Umno have contributed to the scuttling of the programme? Perhaps Umno wants to appear equally halal, what with the ongoing tête-à-tête with the Islamic party.
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PAS Will Split Up If Muzakarah Is Held, Says Nik Aziz

PAS spiritual advisor Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat Monday called for a stop to any muzakarah (discussions) between PAS and Umno as it could cause a split in the Islamic party.

He described the attempt by Umno to have the muzakarah purportedly to strengthen Malay solidarity as merely a gimmick aimed at causing the fall of PAS.

"I want to ask the PAS leaders (reported to have held talks with Umno) whether they are interested in safeguarding PAS and Islam. Trying to be friends with Umno is like "sleeping with the enemy," he told a press conference here Monday.

The Kelantan Menteri Besar was commenting on remarks by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Sunday that high-level talks had been taking place between Umno and PAS on matters relating to Malay unity and strengthening Islam.

Abdullah, however, said Nik Aziz was not among the PAS leaders in the talks.

Asked if he would be having a word with PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and other leaders of the party who were for the muzakarah, Nik Aziz replied in the negative but said certain statements issued by them did not make him happy.

However, he denied that that he was no longer on the same "wavelength" with them but warned that if they were not careful, they would be taken on a "nice ride by Umno".

He added that it was best to let the grassroots decide on the muzakarah as PAS would be holding its muktamar (general assembly) very soon. (Bernama)

***** Tok Guru is a man of great experience and wisdom. PAS would do itself a big favour by listening to him. He is absolutely right when he says that trying to be friends with Umno is like "sleeping with the enemy."

No Liqour Please, We're PAS

The state government must make sure that liquor is not served at events sponsored by a beer company in conjunction with the visit of Chelsea Football Club to Malaysia.

Selangor Pas Youth chief Sallehin Mukhyi said the presence of Muslims, including state leaders, at the events should be taken into account.

"We have nothing against them coming but we do not want liquor to be served at functions attended by Muslims. This will not only involve Pakatan Rakyat leaders and Selangor residents, it will also be done on state premises."

He said Pas Youth hoped the state government would study the programmes planned for the English football club before allowing it to come for the friendly match. "We urge the state government to cancel several of the programmes, which are against the tenets of Islam."

Sallehin said Pas had no issue with the football match as the party looked at it as a healthy activity.

"Since the match is with an international club, this would establish a good relationship at an international level. However, we do not want events conducted prior to the match to have liquor."

He said since the PR government included Pas, it would not be appropriate for a function to include liquor. He said an event serving liquor was not only against the tenets of Islam but also Malay culture. Therefore, the state Pas Youth wing would not hesitate to send a memorandum of protest to the state government on the issue.

This is not the first time the wing has asked the state government to step in to change parts of a function deemed un-Islamic.

It had submitted a memorandum to the menteri besar's office to protest plans to have artistes Ella and Mas Idayu perform at the Sultan of Selangor Cup football match on July 6 and threatened to hold a demonstration if the event went ahead. However, the show featured both artistes and went on without a hitch.

The match between Chelsea and the Malaysian national team is set to take place at Shah Alam Stadium on July 29. (NST)

***** No liqour and no women artistes. Both are against Islam and the 'Malay culture'. However go to 4-D shops on draw days and see how many Malays throng these outlets. Go to girlie bars on any day/night and see how Malay culture and the religion has not discouraged so many of them from patronising these places.

Frankly there is only so much that a democratic government should do to discourage citizens from indulging in their likes and tastes. But then again those who dream of absolute theocratic states and caliphates are not bound by the inconvenient fundamentals of a functioning democracy. Voting PAS anyone?

Malaysian Sultan Clashes With Islamic Party Over Entertainers

The sultan of Malaysia's Selangor state has threatened to cancel a football tournament after the Islamic opposition objected to the entertainers performing at the event, a report said Wednesday.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah told The Star daily that the protest over the two women -- rock singer Ella and Mas Idayu, who performs the hip-swivelling "dangdut" dance -- was "hypocritical" and "trivial".

He said future Selangor Cup matches between his state and Singapore could be cancelled if the Islamic party PAS was successful in its campaign to have them struck off the schedule.

"If this is going to be so difficult, we might as well hold this annual event in Singapore. I am sure they will be more than happy to play host," he told the daily.

The PAS youth wing in Selangor sent a memorandum to the state's chief minister objecting to the performers at the July 6 match, saying they were inappropriate as the event would be attended by many youngsters.

It threatened to demonstrate at the stadium if the women were allowed to perform, The Star said.

Malaysia's population is predominantly Muslim, and the nation's sultans are the traditional guardians of Islam in the states they rule.

But Sharafuddin said Selangor was not made up of "just PAS and Muslims" and that in any case the two performers were suitable for families.

"I don't know what the fuss is all about," he said.

PAS, which rules the northern state of Kelantan, has had ambitions of turning Malaysia into a theocratic state under Islamic rule.

However, in recent years it has begun introducing reforms designed to tone down its hardline reputation and woo young voters.

***** When will PAS learn that it is not to their advantage to consistently take one step forward followed by two steps back? Just when a few non-Muslims seem to place a little trust in their future with PAS, some petty nutcases in the Islamic party's youth wing decide to make asses of themselves by creating such a fuss over a trivial matter.

The senior leaders in PAS should ensure that the lower level partymen and women don't shoot themselves in the foot from time to time which will only lead to further estrangement between them and the mainstream. There is no doubt that almost every non-Muslim views PAS with suspicion and distrust and many consider them as unbending fanatics and potential terrorists. Incidents like the above merely reinforce that image.

PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang Admitted To Hospital For 'Mild' Stroke

Sixty-one-year-old PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang,was warded at the Kuala Terengganu hospital for a mild stroke this morning. This was announced by PAS secretary-general Kamaruddin Jaafar.

However Terengganu PAS Commissioner Mustafa Ali said that Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi, the former Terengganu mentri besar, can walk and talk, which is a good sign.

The doctors there have advised him to rest fully, and he is expected to be hospitalised for about two weeks.

At sixty-one he is not 'old' by current medical standards and if he takes care of his health in the future, he should come out of the present situation almost unscathed. Keeping to a heavy, physically and mentally sapping schedule which many politicians are wont to do has its downside and once the body has issued a 'warning' the time has come to sit up and take notice. I'm sure his physicians would put him through a rigorous 'damage control' programme from now on and it is in his best interest to follow doctor's orders.

Let's hope that he has a safe and quick recovery.

PAS Sabah's Blunt Assessment Of Umno

PAS Sabah fully supported Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's move towards the abolition of certain instruments in the National Economic Policy (NEP) and the introduction of new policies in the awarding of tender projects.

"I don't see any statements made by Lim that warrants unnecessary fear of racial tension or negative repercussion, hence the need to advise him," said PAS Sabah Deputy Chief, Hamzah Haji Abdullah, here, Friday.

He said Lim had shown his non-racial approach when it comes to assisting the Penang folk, especially the Malays who, he claimed, were systematically marginalised for the past 50 years under BN/Gerakan rule.

"What Lim did on the very first day he was sworn in as the CM of Penang was visit the Penang Malay settlement, which was neglected without any solutions in sight as to the status of their land that they have settled in for decades. But Lim had pledged that he will seriously consider alleviating their plight by giving them rights to be permanently settled on the land," he said.

"I believe, if there are leaders that deserve to be advised and cautioned on making statements, these people are none other than Umno/BN leaders," he said.

"We have seen during the pre-election period how Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak spoke in TV and other media telling the Chinese in Kelantan that they have been deprived of their rights under the PAS-led government".

"And that Umno is coming to play the role of saviour to free them from continued discrimination and deprivation under PAS rule. Isn't this kind of statement tantamount to incitement?"

Likewise, Umno Vice Youth Chief, Khairy Jamaluddin, had been repeating his allegations that PAS leaders are involved in illegal logging and that logging concessions were given without observing standing procedures.

Khairy also asked the ACA to initiate investigations that finally led to ACA confiscating several loads of files from companies that were alleged to have colluded with PAS leaders.

"And I can still recall, how Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi cautioned the Indians and the Chinese against experimenting in choosing a new government that they will surely be left out with less representatives in the BN government should they go ahead with their experiment.

"I would advise the Umno/BN leaders to change their mindset to adapt to a new era in governing. The Umno/BN leaders must realise that they can no longer take Malaysians for a ride by issuing threatening statements," he said. (Source - Daily Express, Sabah)

***** Extremely well said and 100% accurate, don't you agree?
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Abdullah's Reign At Risk As Malaysian Islamists Stress Poverty

In the northeastern Malaysian state he oversees, Nik Aziz Nik Mat banned nightclubs and pool halls on the grounds they violate Islamic law.

Now that his party is contesting national elections, he promises a different fight: against poverty and corruption.

Nik Aziz, the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party's spiritual leader and chief minister of Kelantan state, and other party leaders are avoiding religious rhetoric as they campaign for national and state elections March 8. PAS, as the party is known, may be the biggest threat to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's governing coalition.

"PAS has no choice but to tone down its Islamic hard-line stance,'' said Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, a political analyst at Universiti Malaya. "They realize they have to show the public, quite seriously, that they are accepting the importance of pluralism in the country.''

Abdullah's multi-party, multi-ethnic National Front coalition already faces declining support from Chinese and Indian minorities upset by the country's legalized pro-Malay preference system.

Should he also lose too much support from ethnic Malays, Abdullah's United Malays National Organisation party might dump him, even though the coalition is unlikely to lose power.

"Abdullah will not be seen as a credible leader'' if Malay support drops off substantially, said Mohamed Mustafa Ishak, international studies dean at Universiti Utara Malaysia.

Majority

The National Front won more than 90 percent of the parliament's 219 seats in 2004 and has had a two-thirds majority for more than 30 years. The ruling coalition also won 453 of 505 state seats contested in the elections.

PAS won six parliamentary seats and took 36 state seats in 2004, most of them in Kelantan, the only Malaysian state ruled by the opposition. A strong PAS showing would increase pressure on the national government to do more for Malaysia's poor.

Approval for Abdullah, 68, among Malays fell to 76 percent in December, from 84 percent in October, according to a survey by the Merdeka Center, an independent Malaysian research group.

Awang Adek, who as UMNO nominee for Kelantan chief minister is seeking to oust Nik Aziz, said Abdullah isn't threatened.

"The momentum is on our side,'' he said.

PAS has two new advantages in this campaign. Nik Aziz, 77, has allied with former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, a well-known moderate Islamist who spent the last election in prison. And Abdullah's predecessor, Mahathir Mohamad, is serving the interests of PAS, even though he opposes it, by calling for UMNO to replace the prime minister.

Kelantan

Malaysia's constitution defines all Malays as Muslims. PAS's biggest base of support is in Kelantan, where about 90 percent of the state's 1.5 million people are Malays, compared with 60 percent of the country's total population of 27 million.

PAS is trying to redefine itself after years of advocating strict adherence to Islamic law. The party is running its first non-Muslim candidate, a Hindu woman, for a seat in the southern state of Johor. It also has dropped a ban on pop concerts in Kelantan it introduced in 1991.

"There is no more talk like before of PAS being like the Taliban,'' Nik Aziz told reporters in Kelantan's capital, Kota Bharu, on March 4.

Anwar, 60, has played a key role in moderating PAS's stance and rallying opposition to the government.

"Anwar has managed to narrow the gap between non-Muslims and staunch PAS supporters with his moderate, multiracial approach,'' said Ibrahim Suffian, director of the Merdeka Center, an independent Malaysian research group.

Denied Allegations

Finance minister under Mahathir until he was fired in 1998, Anwar was later found guilty of having homosexual relations and of trying to cover up that alleged crime -- allegations he denied. The sex charge was overturned in 2004.

To increase the opposition's chances, Anwar's People's Justice Party, PAS and the Chinese-based Democratic Action Party have agreed not to compete with each other in voting districts in mainland Malaysia.

The party, running on the slogan "PAS For All,'' has dropped a previous goal of turning Malaysia into an Islamic state. Its manifesto promises free education, health services, low-cost housing, cheaper fuel and a minimum wage.

That message especially resonates in Kelantan. The state is Malaysia's third-poorest. The poverty rate was 11 percent in 2004, compared with 5.7 percent for the whole country that year.

PAS has gotten assistance in making its case from Mahathir, Abdullah's predecessor, who argues that corruption is increasing and calls for UMNO to replace the prime minister with Deputy Premier Najib Razak. Malaysia slipped to 43rd in Berlin-based Transparency International's 2007 Corruption Perceptions Index from 39th in 2004, when Abdullah won his landslide.

Abdullah counters that corruption prosecutions doubled to 1,317 in 2006 from 663 cases in 2001.

Corruption is a concern for retired civil servant Ahmad Othman, who runs a small palm oil farm in Kelantan. Folding his prayer mat after a two-hour weekly sermon by Nik Aziz, Ahmad said he'll switch to PAS from UMNO at this election.

"Not once have I seen corruption in Kelantan,'' he said. (Bloomberg.com)

***** PAS is beginning to do and say the 'right' things. But will the majority of non-Muslims trust them and will they be prepared to risk an 'out of the frying pan into the fire' scenario? I have my doubts.

For too long has PAS been considered part of the extreme fringe and no amount of words or superficial gestures will change the perception that they are merely religious fanatics attempting to masquerade in moderate's clothing.

Indeed many non-Muslims should be thankful for the decades-old impasse between Umno and PAS. If God forbid, these two parties ever got together and ruled the country we can be sure that the time would then be opportune for most non-Muslims and many Muslims to migrate to less hostile shores.

Both Umno and PAS are not good for Malaysia. What we truly need is a party which can transcend race and religion, led by pragmatic and honest men and women who won't play the ethnic and Islam card for short-term gains. As it stands unfortunately no such party exists in Malaysia. Perhaps in the future. Who knows?

Enough Of PAS, Let's Vote For BN This Time - Khairy. How About 'Enough Of Khairy, Vote Umno Out'?

Barisan Nasional (BN) youth has urged Kelantan youths to reject Pas, the opposition party which has ruled the state for the past 18 years, and make changes by voting for BN in the upcoming general election.

Deputy BN youth chairman Khairy Jamaluddin said for the purpose, the movement had drawn up two massive campaigns to attract voters -- firstly, through the "pakat kelik ngundi" or "let's go back and vote" campaign to get Kelantan youths in other states to return and vote for BN.

Secondly, through the "pade doh" slogan -- a Kelantan Malay dialect meaning "that's about enough" -- to urge voters to reject Pas because 18 years of the party's rule in Kelantan is just about enough.

"There should be no doubt. Just vote for the BN. Let's make a change this time and see what we can do for Kelantan in five years, and then after that we compare records. There should be no more of the same people, same leaders and same Menteri Besar for the past 18 years.

"This is a massive wave coming to Kelantan in the near future. We are going to make 'pade doh' a slogan for BN youth in Kelantan. (Bernama)

***** Khairy Jamaluddin, God's gift to Malaysia has spoken and he wants PAS out. He has a good point though when he says "there should be no more of the same people, same leaders and same Menteri Besar". If we apply this guideline to Umno and the others in the BN I'm sure the country will do well in the future. Let's get rid off all the corrupt deadwood clinging on to power and hoping to be returned for another five years of amassing wealth.
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Tok Guru Annoyed Over Sexes Mixing

The chief of Malaysia's only Islamic-run state has ordered stricter enforcement of laws requiring men and women to queue at separate counters in shops, a report said Tuesday.

Kelantan state chief minister Nik Aziz Nik Mat said the laws were required to curb social ills like public kissing between young couples, and to protect women from being groped while queuing up.

The New Straits Times quoted him as lamenting that the rules, which have been in place since 1996, are not being enforced by department stores, and ordered the local council to fine offenders.

"I see many regulations that we had introduced but are not being observed, like the separate counters and the sale of porn VCDs and DVDs which are still gong on secretly," he said.

"We want to nip the problem in the bud. Other shoppers are hesitant to step in and tell these people off for fear of being reprimanded."

Nik Aziz is also the spiritual leader of the Pan-Malaysia Islamic party (PAS), which aims to turn Malaysia into a theocratic state under Islamic rule.

The party has made headlines for initiatives like introducing fines for women wearing skimpy clothes, but in recent years has begun introducing reforms designed to tone down its hardline reputation and woo young voters.
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***** Some Malaysian voters given the unenviable choice to either pick Umno or PAS in the next elections must surely feel that they are between a rock and a hard place. You know that feeling - screwed if you vote for the racist and equally screwed if you vote for the extremist. Sad really.

Malaysian Police Shoot Protester As Rally Turns Violent

Malaysian police shot and wounded a protester and arrested 23 others as riots broke out at a political rally in the country's northeast, police and opposition figures said on Sunday.

The head of Terengganu state police said the officer had been forced to open fire as protesters began hurling rocks and bottles when police attempted to disperse them late Saturday.

"When the policeman was hit in the head, this forced him to pull out his gun and he fired a shot in self-defence," Ayub Yaakob told the official Bernama news agency. "The shot managed to force the attackers to run away," he said, adding that 23 people were arrested for various offences.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak defended the police action, saying it was their duty to ensure law and order. "This is within the jurisdiction of the police. The government did not give any instruction to the police," Bernama quoted him as saying.

The rally, held by three opposition parties, was aimed at promoting free and fair elections.

Ayub said two men were injured in the shooting. But Syed Azman Syed Ahmad of the fundamentalist Pan-Malaysia Islamic (PAS) party told AFP that just one protester was shot and that he was in hospital in a critical condition.

Syed Azman said the violence erupted after police fired tear gas and used water canons to break up the peaceful gathering.

He said the situation became tense when police refused to allow speakers to proceed. "The police gave orders to arrest me and the other speakers. At this point, the police fired tear gas at a nearby group and used water canons to disperse the crowd," he said.

Tian Chua of the People's Justice Party said police had been "heavy-handed."

"The last-minute decision of the police to revoke the permit for the gathering which they had originally granted is not only unreasonable but also highly suspect, and points towards political meddling," he said. (Channel Newsasia)

***** We still need permits from the police to hold a public meeting. And the authorities shamelessly claim that we are a democratic nation!
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PAS Aspires To Win 40 Parliamentary Seats In Next G.E. "No Way," Says Najib

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said PAS' dream of winning 40 seats in the next general election would not come true.

He was confident that as usual, the opposition party would win much lesser seats than it aimed for.

"As usual, before each general election, PAS would set a high target but what it had achieved so far was way off the target.

"This time too, God willing, the same thing will happen," Najib said when asked to comment on yesterday's newspaper reports that PAS aspired to secure 40 parliamentary seats in the next general election.

On the issue of a Malaysian student in Taiwan making fun of the national anthem, Negaraku in his video clip posted on YouTube, Najib said the government viewed the matter seriously but would leave it to the relevant authority to investigate.

The creator of the video clip is Wee Meng Chee, 24, a final-year mass communication student at Ming Chuan University in Taipeh.

He was reported to have interspersed the Negaraku with rap, with the lyrics found to be offensive to the Malay community and insulting Islam, besides changing the national anthem to Negarakuku.

Najib said any action that insulted the national anthem was a serious one and must not be committed by anyone. (Bernama)

***** Pride comes before a fall.
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PAS Maintains Anti-Rushdie Momentum With Protests Outside British, US Embassies.

From the International Herald Tribune.

About 300 Islamic opposition party activists staged peaceful protests outside the British and U.S. embassies in Malaysia on Friday, denouncing London's decision to grant a knighthood to author Salman Rushdie and Washington's policies in the Middle East.

Dozens of riot police backed by a water cannon-equipped truck guarded Kuala Lumpur's diplomatic enclave, as members of the fundamentalist Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, or PAS, the country's main opposition group, marched to the British High Commission following afternoon prayers at a nearby mosque.

Protesters spent 15 minutes outside the building, chanting slogans such as "Crush Salman Rushdie" and waving posters that read "Unite for Islam," "Death penalty for Salman" and "Salman Rushdie Get Lost From This World." One poster bore a caricature of Rushdie with horns on his head.

Rushdie's knighthood was announced earlier this month on Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Honors list, decided on by independent committees that vet nominations from the public and the government.

Rushdie went into hiding after Iran's late spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, issued a 1989 fatwa, or religious edict, ordering Muslims to kill the author because his novel "The Satanic Verses" allegedly insulted Islam.

***** Will anything positive come out of these continuing protests by PAS or will the name of our country be further tarnished in the outside world? Or perhaps Malaysia may even be lauded by the international community for practising and maintaining the highest standards of democracy in allowing demonstrations by the opposition! One can only guess.

A very good read: Much Ado About Rushdie.
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Najib Refutes Tok Guru's Claim

Apparently cheesed off with claims by Pas spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today described his remarks that those who vote for Umno are deemed to have strayed from Islam, as an old issue that is bound to surface in the run-up to any general election.

According to the following Bernama report, the deputy prime minister said the people knew that Umno was the true advocate of Islam. "It (Nik Aziz's assertion) is an old story, we've responded to it before but they'll bring up the same issue each time there's an election," he told reporters.

Najib, who is Umno deputy president, said what Umno was fighting for was in accordance with the teachings of Islam, a religion that takes into account the interest of Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Yesterday, Nik Aziz reiterated his oft-repeated view, saying that PAS would highlight matters pertaining to the hereafter in the next general election. On the Pas delegates' assembly which ended today, Najib said that the opposition party's leadership tussle had never affected Umno's struggle. "We've our own platform and image. What Pas is doing has no bearing on the people's support for us," he said.

He said Umno had managed to fulfil people's aspirations concerning religion, development, education, poverty eradication and so on. Najib said the party was not only concerned about bringing respect and dignity to society but also the wider aspect of matters pertaining to the hereafter.

"Umno has always promoted Islamic teachings and with the introduction of the Islam Hadhari concept, we can see that Islam is not only about performing rituals as it also encompasses the wider scope of civilisation," he added.

(Looks like Tok Guru hit a very 'sensitive' spot there. Hopefully Umno won't now try to outdo PAS and up the ante.)
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1) Najib.
2) Nik Aziz.

PAS To Field Non-Muslims, More Women In General Election. Will This Election Ploy Work?

PAS will field non-Muslims and more women candidates, especially in Kelantan, in the next general election, deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa said.

He said the party would put up a balanced mix of candidates comprising professionals and those of religious background.

"We will also have more women candidates but this will depend on nominations from the grassroots," he told Bernama today.

On fielding non-Muslims under PAS banner, Nasharudin said: "Personally, I don't think it is a problem, but it depends on the party leadership."

He said the party constitution would have to be amended to provide for non-Muslims to contest as PAS candidates but it would require only minor amendments. (Bernama)

***** So is PAS finally bowing to reality or is it merely a strategic retreat? Sort of a secular lull before the religious storm? Any party, even that which is based on the best of religious intentions, once it descends into the dirty world of politics, is not exempt from the underhanded and devious machinations governing its existence and progress. In the process of its relentless march to power much of the earlier held 'sacrosanct' ideals and rhetoric, however 'divinely inspired', may have to make way for compromises, even if they be unpleasant or demeaning. For that is the world of realpolitik.

Having said that, as for PAS, I personally feel that while it may make some cosmetic concessions here and there, in the long run it will hold steadfast to its hitherto strongly held belief in an Islamic state. Any changes or modifications to that basic, bedrock principle would require an entirely new generation of leaders, groomed differently and schooled in places far removed from the present leadership. Theoretically it is possible that the next group of pemimpin may be markedly different. But then again anything is theoretically possible.
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PAS Urges Non-Malays To Accept Islamic State.

Pas has urged non-Malays to accept Malaysia as an Islamic state.

Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said since non-Malays accepted capitalism, socialism and other Western ideologies, there was no reason why they could not accept the concept of an Islamic state.

"In a democracy, we are allowed to forward our agenda. It is not wrong," he said.

Speaking to reporters after a four-hour closed-door meeting to discuss strategies for the next general election, he said the party would continue to uphold the Federal Constitution despite pushing for an Islamic state.

"We cannot force anyone to convert to Islam. And those who understand Islam know that the religion can be used for politics.

"Ask any non-Malay living in Kelantan and Terengganu if he has ever been victimised by Muslims while under the Pas rule?" he asked.

He said the problem was not with the party but with the media which was giving the wrong message to non-Malays.

"Due to this, people are unable to think for themselves. We want to have ceramah to widen people’s perspective. But the police do not allow us."

On the general election, he said, the party was ready for it and was confident of winning back the seats it lost in the last election.

He said among the new strategies of the party was fielding women candidates. (NST)

****** With this patronising speech by Hadi he has effectively buried whatever little chance PAS had of garnering non-Malay votes. The Islamic party was slowly gaining by default, as a result of much unhappiness with BN's misrule, grudging support from increasingly jaded non-Malays who might have taken the risk of giving PAS a shot at forming the federal government. Now they can kiss that opportunity goodbye.

I wonder what prompted Hadi to bring up the issue of an Islamic state now. His address may get high marks for honesty and plain speaking but would score poorly as a political strategy.
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